The characters who are affected by the letter are Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, Pearl, and Hester Prynne (Schneider). ... Her love for Arthur Dimmesdale, their minister, and the creation of Pearl, her daughter, has forced her to live in seclusion. ... (Hawthorne; Schneider) Arthur Dimmesdale is as much responsible for the creation of the scarlet letter as Hester. ... (Hawthorne; Bloom 26-27) There are many signs that Arthur Dimmesdale is physically deteriorating and should repent through confession. ... (Hoffman 38-39) One of the major problems Arthur Dimmesdale faces, while ...

• Word Count: 1366
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Throughout the course of the book, Hawthorne uses Hester, Pearl, and Arthur Dimmesdale to signify and contrast both the Puritanical and Romantic philosophies. ... Puritanism puts all of its stock in the religious leader of the community; Arthur Dimmesdale was the Religious leader of the community where the story takes place. ... To Dimmesdale, it is bad that Hester is shown publicly as a sinner, but what is far worse than public shame is Dimmesdale's own cruel inner shame. Knowing what only he and Hester know, the secret of theirs eats away at Dimmesdale's weakening and slowly killi...

• Word Count: 2043
• Approx Pages: 8